Phonographic apparatus



Apr. 17, 1923. H. P. CLAUSEN PHONOGRAPHIG APPARATUS Filed Feb. 5, 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet l /m/e/7 for: Henry I? C/ sen y 14 Apr. 17, 11923. 1,452,361 H. P. CLAUSEN PHONOGRAPHI C APPARATUS Filed Feb. 2, 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Mwen/or: Hen/iv F? (gas/sen Aify,

Patented i tpr. 1?, i923;

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HENRY 1?. CLAUSEN, OF MAROHECK, NEW YORK,

COMP, INCORPORATED, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

EHDNUGHIC AFIPTUS.

application filed February 3, 1920. Serial No. 356,052.

the, improvement of the apparatus to prevent the irregular vibrations of the moving systems in the recording or reproducing mam chines from being communicated to the operating or operated member, according to whether the device is for recording or reproducing. y In general, the invention provides for 29 mounting the operating or operated member, such as a diaphragm, spaced from the stylus, and directly connecting it thereto by a longitudinally movable member-instead of the usual lever system. Specifically, the inven- 2 tion provided for directly connecting the operating or operated member to the stylus when these elements are in spaced relation, by means of a longitudinally curved element, preferably a wire which is relatively inflexible longitudinally and relativelyflexible transversely but restrained from vibrating transversely by energy absorbing material engaging its sides. I In accordance with another feature, the invention provides a single reproducer couplied to a plurality of styli and records for combining the reproductions from a plurality of records.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a side, elevation partially in section, of one form of the invention as applied to a re producer for use with a hill and valley type of phonographic record; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a reproducer for use with a transversely grooved type of record; Fig.

a plurality of sound boxes are operated by a common translating member; Fig. 4 is a side elevation partially in section, of a form of the invention in which two separate records can be reproduced simultaneously through the medium of a single reproducing sound box common to thetwo records; Fig. 5 shows a form of the invention designed to telephonicaily reproduce the matter recorded; Fig. 6 is a rear elevation of a reproducer for use with both hill and valley and transversely grooved types of record; Fig. 7 is a detailed side elevation thereof showing the method of supporting the stylus and translating members extending from the stylus to the respective sound boxes; and Fig. 8 is a sectional view in perspective of the means used for translating movement between the stylus and the diaphragm of the sound boxes.

In a form shown in Fig. 1, the stylus 9 rests upon a disc record 10 of the hill and valley type, which during rotation imparts avertical movement to the stylus 9 corre sponding to the sound trace present on the record. A sound box ll having a diaphragm 12, is firmly mounted upon a supporting post 13, carried by a base 14. A translating member 15 is secured at its upper end to the diaphragm 12 and at its lower end to a stylus holder 16, which in turn carries the stylus 9. The stylus holder 16 is constructed so that'the stylus 9 can be readily removed therefrom and' a new stylus substituted therefor when desired.

In phonographic apparatus the design requirements are such that the axis of the stylus and the axis of the sound box diaphragm are'generally out of alignment with one another and this relationship has heretofore required quite complex lever systems to translate movement between the stylus and the diaphragm. The necessity of these complex lever systems is, however, overcome in the present case by forming the translating member 15 of such material and cross section as to be relatively inflexible longitudinally while relatively flexible transversely, and wire is particularly suitable for this member. The upper end of the member 15 is substantially co-a-xial with the diaphragm 12 and the lower end is substantially co-axial with the direction of the 'movement of stylus 9, while the intermedi- 3 is a cross section of a reproducer in whiclrv ate portion is provided with one or more easy curves merging into the end portions .to efliciently transmit vibrations between the stylus and diaphragm by longitudinal movements of the member 15. The member 15, except for its extreme ends, is enclosed within and closely engaged by a tubular casing 17 of energy-absorbing material, preferably-soft rubber, which serves to resist and to dissipate transverse vibrations of the member. The casing 17 is in turn closely confined by an outer tube 18 which has a suitable amount of flexibility.

The upper end of the tube 18 is secured to the upper part 19 of the post 13, which part has an opening therethrou h in which a portion of the casing 17 is ocatecl and through which the member 15 extends, The lower end of the tube 18 is similarly secured to a supporting arm 20, having an opening in which the lower end of the easing 17 is positioned and through which the lower end of the member 15 extends. This arm is pivoted on the base 14 for vertical movement relative thereto and is of sufficient weight to hold the stylus 9 in proper engagement with the record 10.

With this construction the member 15 is so confined that vertical movement in the stylus 9 effects corresponding longitudinal movement of this member and like vibrations of the diaphragm 12, to reproduce sound corresponding to those recorded on the record 10. This construction in addition tends to resist and to dissipate such vibrations as may be set up in the member 15 in a direction transversely thereto and thus tends to prevent such vibrations reaching the diaphragm 12 and thus prevents unintended vibration of the diaphragm with consequent distortion of the recorded matter being reproduced thereby. The sound produced by the sound box 11 may be distributed in any desired manner, a horn 21 being shown in the drawing for this purpose, al though obviously a multiple reproducer as shown in Fig. 3. may also be used if preferred. To enable the stylus 9 to accommodate itself to the varying distances of the record trace from the axis of rotation of the disc record 10 as the latter is operated, the base 14 is vertically pivoted upon a supporting plate 22.

By utilizing a recording stylus in place of the reproducing stylus 9, the construction shown in Fig. 1 can be used equally well as a recorder, the member 15 in this case effecting longitudinal movement of the recording stylus corresponding to? the axial vibrations of the diaphragm 12, while the casing 17 and tube 18 will act to resist and dissipate transverse vibrationscof the member 15, as previously explained.

The form shown in Fig. 2, which is suit able for transversely grooved types of phonographic records, difiers from that shown in Fig. 1, by arranging the lower end of the translating member 25 with its cor. responding casing 1'? and tube 18 so as to extend transversely of the record 26 instead of vertically thereof. The stylus holder 27 is fixed to this end of the member 25 to receive a stylus 28 positioned below the stylus holder 27 as shown in Fig, 2; this stylus being removable and arranged substantially weasel vertically relative to the record 26. In

this form of reproducer transverse movements of the stylus efiect 'corresponding longitudinal movements of the translating member 25 and corresponding actuation of the diaphragm of the sound box 12 to produce sounds corresponding to those recorded on the record 26. By using a recording stylus with the device shown in Fig. 2, it can be utilized for the making of transversely grooved records.

The construction shown in Fig. 3 employs a plurality of sound boxes 30, 31 and 32, having respective diaphragms 33, 3d and 35 and respective horns 36, 37 and 38. The diaphragms are all connected to a common translating member 39 corresponding to the members 15 and 25 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 respectively. The diaphragrns are co-axial and while the sound boxes 31 and 32 with their respective horns 37 and 38 may be supported in any desired manner, in the form shown, this is accomplished by supporting the sound box 31 and its born 37 from the horn 36, and the sound box 32 with its horn 38 from the horn 37. This multiple sound box arrangement is particularly suitable where it is desired to have a large volume of sound reproduced, inasmuch as longitudinal movements of the member 39 in response to actuation pf its reproducing stylus (not shown) effects movement of the diaphragms of all three sound boxes to reproduce the matter recorded, and results in the production of an aggregate volume of sound representing the sum of that produced by the respective sound boxes 30, 31 and 32. The translating member 39 is provided with a casing 17 of energy absorbing material and an outer tube 18 for the purpose previously described in connection with the form shown in Figs. 1 and 2. p

The same construction can be utilized for recording in which case each of the diaphragms 33, 34 and 35 will be actuated by the sound waves to be recorded and produce an increased movement of the member 39 over that produced by a single diaphragm. This provides a greater out upon the record and is especially desirable where the original sounds to be recorded are of small volume, or where it is desirable to provide a record which will reproduce a greater volume of sound than a record having the usual size of record cut.

in the form of a reproducer shown in Fig. 4, two records 50 and 51 of the hill and valley type are shown and are designed to be operated in synchronism in any desired manner; like driven gears 52 and 53 and like driving gears 542 and 55, carried by a common driving shaft 56 bein shown in the drawing for the purpose. Assume that it is desired to reproduce a violin and piano duet from two separate records,

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on one of which only the violin part is recorded and on the other part of which only the piano is recorded. In the ordinary production of such records, the violin and piano players would play the duct together and separate synchronous records would be made of the violin and piano parts in any suitable manner; one such method being disclosed in a conding patent application of Harry B. Wiiir, Serial No. 317 410, filed August 14, 1919. A mark may be made on each record to enable the proper positioning of the respective records, relative to its respective reproducing stylus so as to reproduce the corresponding parts of thia1 duet in proper time relation with one anot er.

A reproducing stylus 57 engages with the responding to the tube 18, illustrated in Fig.

1. A post 68 supports the sound box 60 and the forward ends of the casings 64 and 65, and of the tubes 66 and 67; while respective supporting arms 70 and 71 are secured to the o posite ends of these casings and tubes. he arms 70 and 71 are pivoted to. a second st' 72 which is mounted together with t e post 68 upon a base 73 pivoted to a supporting plate 74.

In operation the two records 50 and 51 are each propierly positioned relative to its reproducing stylus and the phonograph is set in operation. The records move in synchronism and movements of the stylus 57 by its record 50 efi'ect corresponding longitudinal movements of the member 58 which in turn operates the diaphragm 59, while movements of the stylus 62 by its record 51, effect corres nding longitudinal movements of the mem r 63 which in turn also operates the diaphragm 59. Assuming that the record 50 is that of the violin part and that the record 51 is the piano part of the duet, movement of the diaphragm 9 by the member 58 tends to reproduce sound waves corres onding to those originally produced by t e violin, and the movement of the diaphragm 59 by the member 63 tends to reproduce sound waves corresponding to" those originally reduced by the piano, sothat the two mem rs operating together effect a resultant movement of the dia hragm 59 such as to produce sound waves presenting the combined violin and used with transversel piano parts and giving the effect of a violin and piano duct. The vibration of the diaphragm 59 due to the combined action of the members 58 and 63 is similar to the vibration which takes place by the diahrag'm of a recording sound box when subected to the combined action of sound waves from both a violin and a piano when playing a duet together. In order that the reproduction'may be effected with the least possible distortion, it is advisable to provide an initial ressure on the diaphragm as in the case of the ordinary reproducers. This may be accomplished by making the pivoted arms 70 and 71 of suflicient weight to insure that each stylus is held in contact with its record regardless of the frequency or amplitude of the vibrations of the other stylus.

The form shown in Fig. 5 corresponds with that shown in Fig. 1, except that movement of the member 15 instead of operating the diaphragm of the sound box to reproduce the recording matter directlyas sound waves, efi'ects corresponding movement of the front electrode 80 of a variable resistance element 81 to produce corresponding variations in an electrical circuit in which such unit is included. These electrical variations can in turn be translated into corres onding sound waves through the medium o a telephone receiver associated with the circuit including the variable resistance unit 81. This unit is mounted on a su porting post 82 carried by the base 14, whic base is pivoted to the supporting plate 22.'for reasons previously set forth.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 is designed for use with either a hill and valle type or a transversely grooved type 0 record and employs two sound boxes 85 and 86, one of which is operated when the reproducer is used with bill and valleylty e records and the other of which is operate when the reproducer is ved type records. The sound boxesm'e both mounted on a common supporti post 87 having a base 88 vertically pivote to a supporting plate 89. An arm 90 is pivoted at one end of the post 87 so as to bevertically movable. A stylus 91 is provided and removably held in place within a stylus holder 92. The lower end of a translating member 93 is secured to the top of the holder 92, while the upper end of the member is secured to the diaphragm (not shown) of the sound box 85. The intermediate portion of the member 93 is en closed within a casing 94 of energy absorbdiagram (not shown) of the sound box 86.

The member 96 also has a casing 97 and tube.

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98 substantially identical with the casing 94 and tube 95 of the member 93. The member 93 with its casing 94: and tube 95 corresponds in construction and operation with the parts 15, 17 and 18 as shown in Figs. 1 and 8; while the member 96 with its casing 97 and tube 98 are the same in construction and operation as the parts 25, 17 and 18 as shown in Fig. 2. An l.-shaped bracket 99 is pivoted for vertical rotation on the arm 90, and the lower end of the casing 94 and tube 95 is secured to one arm of this bracket, while the lower end of the casing 97 and tube 98 is similarly secured to the other arm of the bracket as shown in Fig. 6. The stylus 91 is preferably arranged so as to be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the record 109 in order to operate to best advantage with both types of record mentioned. lhe weight of the arm 90 and the bracket 99 are such as to hold the stylus 91 in proper engagement with the record during operation.

In operation, assuming that the record N0 is of the hill and valley type, the stylus 91 is moved vertically and transmits longitudinel movement to the member 93 which correspondingly actuates the diaphragm of the sound box to reproduce the sounds recorded on the record 100. The vertical movement of the stylus 91 produces some transverse movement of the member 96 but the transverse vibrations of this member are absorbed by the casing 97 so that the diaphragm of the sound box 86 is not substantially effected. When the device is used with a transversely grooved type of record however, movements of the stylus 91 while transverse of the record produce like longi tudinal movements of the member 96 and the development"'of corresponding sound Waves by the diaphragm of the sound box 86 agreeing with the sounds recorded on the record. Such transverse movement of the st lus while setting up transverse vibrations of the member 93 is without substantial effect on the diaphragm of the sound box 85, inasmuch as such transverse vibrations of the member 93 are practicall eliminated by the action of the casing 94 of energy-absorbing material engaging such member.

Obviously by using a recording stylus in place of in reproducing stylus 91, the device shown in Figs. 6 and 7 can be used for the reproduction of both types of records mentioned; the sound box 85 being used if hill and valley type records are desired, and the sound box 86 being used if it is desired to make records of the transversely grooved 1 type.

What is claimed is:

1. A phonographic device comprising a phonographic record, a' stylus to on age therewith, a movable member spaced rom the stylus, a longitudinally curved element esteem gitudinally between and mechanically associated with the stylus and the movable member to translate movement therebetween, and a member of energy-absorbing material engaging the side or" the wire resist transverse vibrations of the wire.

8. A phonographic device comprising a phonographic record, a stylus to engage therewith, a movable member spaced from the stylus, a longitudinally curved element relatively inflexible longitudinally but relatively flexible transversely extending longitudinally between and mechanically associated with the stylus and the movable member to translate movement therebetween, a longitudinally curved casing spaced from and enclosing the element, and a member of energy-absorbing material intermediate the element and easing engagin the sideof the element and the interior 0 the casing to resist transverse vibrations of the element. 7

l. A phonographic device comprising a phonographic record, a stylus to engage therewith, a movable member spaced from the stylus, a longitudinally curved element relatively inflexible longitudinally but relatively flexible. transversely extending longitudinally between and mechanically associated with the stylus and the movable member to translate movement therebetween, a longitudinally curved tubular casing spaced from and enclosin the element, and a tubular member of absor ing material surrounding the element and engaging the element and the casing to resist transverse vibrations of the element.

5. A phonographic device comprising a phonographic record, a stylus to on age therewith, a movable member spaced rom the stylus, a longitudinally curved element exten inc; longitudinally between and mechanically associated with the stylus and the movable member to translate movement therebetween, and a longitudinally curved tube enclosing the element to guide the movements of such element and within which the latter is longitudinally movable.

6. A phonophic device comprising a plurality of separate records, a stylus individual to each of the records, a reproducing lift element common to the plurality of records to efiect a combined reproduction of the that ter recorded on the separate records, a

translating element individual to each of the styli and mechanically associating its respective stylus with the common reproducing element, and means to efi'ect relative reproducing movement between the records and their respective styli.

7, A phonographic device comprising a plurality of separate synchronously recorded complimentary records, a stylus individual to each of the records, means to efiect simultaneous and synchronous reproducing movement of all the records, a reproducing diaphragm common to the plurality of records to efiect a combined reproduction of the matter recorded on the separate complementary records, and a translating element individual to each of the styli and mechanically associating its respective stylus with the diaphragm to translate movement between its respective stylus and the diaphragm.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 28th day of January A. D,

HENRY r. earners. 

